Secretary of Defense "Russia's power is not strong..."Even if it's supported by the North, it's possible to cope."

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun said that even if Russia provides advanced military technology to North Korea in exchange for dispatch, it can be dealt with.

After the South Korea-U.S. security council meeting in Washington, U.S., Minister Kim held a correspondent meeting and said that the threat could be higher if Russia's military science and technology are provided to North Korea, but overestimating it is not right.

Minister Kim said, "It is an expert assessment that the Russian power we have evaluated is not as strong as we think, and that conventional weapons are not threatening," adding, "We have the ability to overcome even if Russia provides power to North Korea."

Regarding the government's response to North Korea's dispatch of troops to Russia, he said, "We will provide step-by-step support to the extent possible," meaning that we will keep pace with the development of the Ukraine war and international solidarity.

He also predicted that the possibility of escalation due to the dispatch of North Korean troops could not be guaranteed and was open, and that he could put in troops after enduring the U.S. presidential election.

Minister Kim made it clear that he does not consider sending troops at all, saying that sending observers or money shortage analysis teams is essential to prepare for the future.

Since the North Korean military is participating in the war in Ukraine, we need to understand their trends, he said, adding that we need to analyze and prepare for future situations.

When asked if sending observers and others to Ukraine requires parliamentary consent, he said that the minister is required to decide on his own by sending small-scale personnel.

However, it does not mean a small-scale dispatch, but the relevant regulations do, and suggested about 15 people for one to two months based on a small-scale standard.